The Christmas tree we have has seen it’s better days. When we moved into our first house about 7 1/2 years ago it was given to us by my husband step-grandparents. It was a lovely tree. Artifical, full, 7 foot tree. Over the years though the branches have thinned out, the stand broke and we rigged it up so it would work. This might be the year we have to get a new Christmas tree. We also happened to move into a new house with more room. When I started looking at Christmas tree again, I realized, there’s a lot to consider!
Considering where we went to put it will determine the size tree we get. The family room could easily host a 7-9 foot full tree while the living room could only manage a 7 foot slimmer tree. Then the question is do we want to go artificial again or do we want to try a real tree.
Benefits of Artificial Trees:
- No maintenance, there’s no watering, no cleaning up needles, etc.
- You can use the same tree for years
- They come in many different size, shapes, and colors
- You can choose one that is pre-lit if you like so you don’t have to mess with raveling and unraveling lights
- You can put them up whenever you’re ready, no need to wait
- more economical. Once you buy one you can use it for years
Cons of Artificial Trees:
- No scent
- need storage space when not in use
- You have the same tree every year
Benefits of Real Trees:
- Some people like the scent of real trees
- no need for storage, they can be mulched after use
- different look each year
Cons of Real Trees:
- Maintenance involved with cleaning up pine needles, watering tree
- need to have a way to haul tree home
- limited options for size depending on ability to haul IE: You’re gonna have an easier time bringing a 5 ft tree home than a 9 foot tree
- You have to buy a new one every year unless you have access to chop your own
Things to consider with both Real and Artificial trees:
- How high are your ceilings?
- How wide is the space you want to put your tree?
- Do you have the floor space for a full size tree? If not you could consider a mini tree and set it on an end table or sturdy stand
- Do you have pets or small children? Babies, toddlers, and animals are drawn to trees. The shiny bulbs, the lights, the newness. My kids took bulbs off the bottom of the tree when they were toddlers. The first few years with my boys we just had a mini tree on a table.
Once I decide on the right tree and we get through the holiday season. The next thing I’ll be doing is deciding on the right vehicle for my family.
Our artificial tree was really old and had seen better days so last year we went with our first real tree and loved it. If we do a tree this year, it will be a real one also.